April 19

Puck began his day by chewing on a used matchstick after it had come off the counter with OLeif’s keys, which Puck had pulled down to the kitchen floor.
By noon, OLeif, Collette, and Puck had arrived at the house for Midsomer Murders, Rose’s senior pictures, and lunch and a nap for Puck.
By three, the grandmas had arrived and gifts were soon ready to be opened. Grandma Snicketts had already sent a ten dollar bill for the little buddy, which he could spend or save as OLeif and Collette saw fit.
Then Puck examined each of his presents from Dad, Mom, the kids, and Grandma Combs: a squishy yellow strobe-light urchin ball, a Fisher Price tricycle, rocking horse, three-in-one stroller/rocker/tricycle, three colored block towers, a pop-up machine of plastic characters, light-up mini duck, strobe-light drinking glasses (one for each of the three in their little family), yellow duck pinata, and yellow duck rug. Puck showed great interest in each piece, then cried when he was carried away to the dinner table.
He soon forgot his woes, however, as he partook in his birthday feast: hot dogs and bratwurst (prepared by Dad and OLeif), Mom’s special macaroni and cheese, peppers and carrots with dip, and then his cake.
Mom had baked it and iced it, with the help of Linnea. In one corner sat a frosting clown. Puck stared in awe at the solitary candle and watched as OLeif helped him in blowing it out. Then he kicked his chubby legs in excitement and crooned for his piece. OLeif set a small slice on a plate on his high chair. Puck grabbed at it and stuffed the whole thing in his mouth.
“Whoa!” everyone exclaimed.
But it was too late, and Puck was soon begging for more.
“No, no more,” Collette told him.
“Oh, just a little bit more,” Grandma Combs urged.
“Well, she’s right, you know,” said Grandma Snicketts.
Puck on a sugar frenzy was not Collette’s idea of a good night. So instead, out came the box of vanilla wafers. Puck immediately recognized the bright yellow box, and indulged himself.
“It’s his birthday. He can have the whole box,” Grandma Combs said, laughing.
Puck had enjoyed a great first birthday.